Divorce Attorney in Okemos, MI
Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face, and trying to handle it without legal guidance only adds to the uncertainty. A divorce in Lansing involves decisions about your children, your finances, and your future that deserve careful, informed attention.
Spickard Law represents clients across Ingham County in divorce cases that range from straightforward to highly contested. Our family law attorney will help protect what matters most to you.
Understanding Divorce in Lansing, Michigan
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, so the only ground needed to file is that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable chance of reconciliation. However, fault-related conduct such as infidelity or financial misconduct can still influence decisions around property division, custody, and spousal support.
Residency Requirements
Before filing for divorce in Ingham County, at least one spouse must have lived in the state of Michigan for a minimum of 180 days and in the county for at least 10 days. Meeting these thresholds is required before the court will accept the initial complaint.
Waiting Period
Michigan imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period after the divorce complaint is filed before a judgment can be entered. When minor children are involved, that waiting period extends to six months, though the court may shorten it under certain circumstances.
Equitable Distribution
Michigan divides marital property under an equitable distribution model, which means assets are split fairly based on the specifics of the marriage rather than automatically down the middle. The court considers a range of factors when determining what each spouse receives:
- Length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s earning capacity and financial needs
- Contributions to marital property, including homemaking
- Age and health of both parties
- Existing debts and liabilities
- Conduct of the parties during the marriage
Dividing a life built together is never simple, especially when retirement accounts, business interests, or real estate are on the table. Our firm digs into the financial details so that you walk away from the marriage with a settlement that truly reflects your contributions.
How Spickard Law Can Help
Divorce touches every part of your life at once, and having an attorney who handles every detail makes the process far less overwhelming. Spickard Law supports clients through each stage of the proceedings:
- Filing the initial complaint and serving the other party
- Negotiating property division and debt allocation
- Advocating for favorable custody and parenting time arrangements
- Calculating and pursuing appropriate child support
- Petitioning for or contesting spousal support
- Managing temporary orders for support and custody during the process
- Representing your interests in mediation sessions
- Preparing your case for trial when a settlement is not possible
- Handling post-judgment modifications and enforcement actions
Reach Out to a Family Law Attorney in Lansing Today
Are you considering divorce, or have you already been served with papers? The decisions made early in the process often set the tone for everything that follows, and delays can limit your options. Contact us online or call 517-908-0818 to schedule a consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer in Lansing who will guide you through this transition with a clear plan and steady focus on your goals.